Like me, you probably have not heard much about my favorite music discovery this month. But you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that aside from her exceptional first studio album Some Heavy Ocean in 2014, Emma Ruth Rundle is also notable for her contributions on the guitar for bands like Nocturnes, Red Sparowes, and Marriages (guitars and vocals). The LA-based singer-songwriter returns with her second album filled with heavier tunes and darker content.
The opening track “Marked for Death” imparts a certain distress and solitude, accompanied by dramatic instrumental progressions. “Protection” is a haunting tune with distinct drumbeats that build up with the vocals; a recommended track if you are a Laura Marling fan.
The textured instrumentals were toned down to highlight Rundle’s beautiful voice in “Hand of God,” “Heaven,” and “Real Big Sky.” Her powerful yet tender voice, paired with explosive instrumentals, bizarrely makes the suggested agony in the songwriting sound pleasing. If you dig Tori Amos or Laura Marling, you should probably give this album a listen.
Label: Sergeant House
Year: 2016
Personal favorite/s: Hand of God, Marked for Death
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